The Bulls' decision to part company with Cummins and his assistant Lee St Hilaire comes just 24 hours after the club's crushing 46-18 defeat by Salford, which left them eight points from safety with 11 matches left of the First Utility Super League campaign.

A Bradford spokesperson said: "This is a decision which has not been made lightly and Bradford Bulls would like to thank both Francis and Lee for their efforts over the years."

Captain Matt Diskin has been placed in temporary charge ahead of Friday's visit of Hull KR, under the guidance of managing director Steve Ferres.

Cummins, 37, joined Bradford from Leeds in 2010 as assistant to coach Mick Potter and took over from the Australian when he left at the end of the 2012 season.

The Bulls narrowly missed out on the play-offs in 2013 but suffered a body blow on the eve of the current season when the club were docked six points for going into administration.

Bradford did the double over fellow strugglers Wakefield and additional wins over Warrington and London Broncos enabled Cummins' men to get back into the black.

But the club last week failed in their appeal over the points deduction and Sunday's defeat by the Red Devils leaves them overwhelming favourites to join London in the Kingstone Press Championship in 2015.

St Hilaire, a former player with Huddersfield, has spent eight years with the club, acting as assistant coach and - for a spell - head coach.

The spokesperson added: "Both have worked under difficult circumstances during their time here but the club recognises that a change of direction is required.

"The board of directors has the utmost respect for both Francis and Lee and wish them well with their futures."

Bradford say the process of finding a replacement is under way and former coach Brian Noble, who was sacked by Salford earlier this year, will be immediately linked with a return to the club.